Books matching: dark underbelly of hollywood
7 result(s)
- #1
Save:High Life by Matthew Stokoe is a dark and gritty tale set in Los Angeles, following the protagonist Jack as his life spirals into chaos after the brutal murder of his wife. Introduced to a world of snuff shows, prostitution, and drugs, Jack becomes entangled in a web of depravity and violence. The story is filled with despicable characters engaging in heinous acts, creating a brutal and unforgiving atmosphere reminiscent of noir crime movies. Despite its disturbing content, readers are captivated by the unique writing style and the mystery surrounding the crime.
In a city where depravity knows no bounds for those with money, Jack navigates a world of perversion and power in his quest for fame and success. As he encounters characters like Bella and Ryan, each more twisted than the last, Jack's journey into the dark underbelly of Hollywood unfolds, revealing a story of desperation, longing, and the lengths one will go to achieve their dreams.
A hot rain blew in from the sea. It hit Ocean Avenue in sticky washes of reflected neon that took the colored light from the hotels and stores and ran it into the gutters with the trash. In Palisades ... - #2
Save:'Black Dahlia Avenger' by Steve Hodel is a true crime novel that delves into the infamous 1947 Black Dahlia murder case. The author, a retired LAPD detective, presents a compelling argument linking his own father, Dr. George Hodel, to the unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short. Through in-depth research and personal insights, Hodel explores the shocking connections between his father and the Black Dahlia case, unraveling a complex web of mysteries and subplots surrounding the murder.
The writing style of 'Black Dahlia Avenger' is described as thorough and compelling, with the author presenting evidence in a logical and coherent manner. Hodel's unique background as a detective and his personal interest in the case bring a fresh perspective to the investigation, offering readers a gripping narrative that combines true crime elements with personal revelations and psychological analysis.
IT WAS MID-WEEK, Thursday evening at 6:30 P.M. There were only a handful of people milling around the Biltmore Hotel lobby scanning for the bellhops to take them up in the elevators. Few noticed when ... - #3
Save:In 1947, the bisected body of Elizabeth Short, also known as The Black Dahlia, was found in Leimert Park, Los Angeles. The book delves into the case, exploring the corrupt and inept investigation that led to the killer going unpunished. Through thorough research and a compelling narrative, the author presents a convincing case for the identity of the murderer, shedding light on the dark underbelly of Hollywood in the 1940s.
The author skillfully evokes the time and place of 1940s LA, painting a vivid picture of the era through a cast of extraordinary characters. With a passion for texture and historical facts, the book weaves together a narrative that is both gripping and informative, offering a unique perspective on one of America's greatest unsolved murders.
Sunrise was at 6:58 a.m. in Los Angeles on the morning of Wednesday, January 15, 1947. The month had been an unusually bleak one for Southern California. Dense fog had descended on the coastal towns o... - #4
Save:'The Invention of Sound' by Chuck Palahniuk is a dark and twisted story that follows Gates Foster, a father on a mission to find his abducted daughter, and Mitzi Ives, a Foley Artist specializing in screams for movies. The book delves into the seedy underbelly of Hollywood, exploring themes of loss, obsession, and the high cost of creating authentic sounds for entertainment. The plot is non-linear and switches between characters, creating a captivating and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers engaged till the very end.
- #5
Save:The Disappearing Act by Catherine Steadman follows Mia, a British actress who travels to LA for pilot season and befriends another actress named Emily. When Emily goes missing, Mia becomes entangled in a mysterious disappearance, leading her to uncover dark secrets and dangerous truths within the Hollywood industry. The plot is fast-paced, filled with twists and turns, and offers a glimpse into the cutthroat world of aspiring actors and actresses in pursuit of stardom. Steadman's writing style captivates readers with its enthralling storytelling and detailed portrayal of the Hollywood scene, creating a suspenseful and engaging psychological thriller.
- #6
Save:In 'Midnight Showing', the second book in the 'Malice Compendium' series by Megan Shepherd, readers are immersed in a world where Haven and her sister delve into the mysteries of their lineage and a curse that haunts their family. As they uncover the dark secrets of their past, they must confront monsters created by their father, including the menacing Uncle Arthur, who poses a threat to their very existence. The story seamlessly weaves horror and fantasy elements, leading the protagonists on a chilling journey filled with suspense, alliances with otherworldly creatures, and a race against time to prevent a catastrophic outcome.
'Midnight Showing' is a captivating tale that explores the complexities of family ties, the power of curses, and the resilience of its main characters, Haven and Kylie. With a blend of past and present monsters, the narrative unfolds with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Megan Shepherd's writing style expertly combines elements of horror and fantasy, creating a gripping and imaginative story that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
(Also, see 82 recommendations for the series Malice Compendium ) - #7
Save:Widespread Panic by James Ellroy is a fast-paced novel set in 1950s Hollywood, following the story of Freddy Otash, a corrupt cop turned private investigator who delves into the dark underbelly of the city while working for scandal magazines. The book is filled with salacious gossip about movie stars, scandals, and sleaze, all narrated in a compressed, intense writing style that reads like a lush prose poem. Ellroy's unique language and alliteration bring the postwar Los Angeles setting to life, intertwining real-life historical figures with fictional characters, creating a vivid portrayal of a world filled with secrets, crimes, and personal struggles.
The narrative of Widespread Panic revolves around Otash's quest to solve mysterious murders of women he knew personally, all while dealing with his own desires and conflicts. The book's high concept nature, with Otash stuck in purgatory and forced to confess his dreams and sins, adds a layer of complexity to the story. Ellroy's masterful historicity and verbal artistry shine through the book, making it a challenging yet rewarding read for fans of crime fiction and historical novels.
